Cobra
John Zorn · 1987
112 min · 20 tracks · avant-garde jazz
An exhilarating blend of spontaneous improvisation and structured avant-garde jazz that challenges conventional musical forms.
Top tracks — play these first
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Allegro Start here — This track exemplifies the frenetic energy and intricate interplay among musicians, encapsulating the essence of Zorn's compositional style.
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Fantasia — Fantasia showcases a more lyrical side of Zorn's work, allowing for moments of introspection amidst the chaotic improvisation.
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Variations / Furioso — This lengthy piece highlights Zorn's ability to weave complex themes with relentless intensity, drawing listeners into an immersive soundscape.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalCobra's innovative improvisational structure and unique game-piece format set it apart in avant-garde jazz.
What we noticed
- Each track varies in tempo and mood, with abrupt transitions that challenge traditional song structures.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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9/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- dynamic exploration of improvisation
- wave-like pacing with intensity shifts
- engaging unpredictability in each track
- ideal for adventurous listening sessions
Maybe skip if you
- prefer straightforward, structured music
- seek instant gratification in tracks
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Experimental — Cobra showcases a radical game-piece format, diverging from Zorn's established sound.
- Career context
- Released in 1987, Cobra marked a significant moment in John Zorn's career, showcasing his innovative approach to improvisational music. This album came after the critically acclaimed 'Naked City' and further established Zorn as a leader in avant-garde jazz, blending various styles and influences into a singular vision.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Mike Patton· The Thing· Merzbow
Tracklist
Disc 1
- 1 Opening 0:59
- 2 Allegro Start here 4:32
- 3 Largo 6:13
- 4 Moderato 7:41
- 5 Fantasia 3:44
- 6 Presto 1:39
- 7 Adagio Maestoso 2:39
- 8 Violento 4:16
- 9 Allegro Scorrevole 2:35
- 10 Capriccio con gusto 4:40
- 11 False Start / Giocoso 0:52
- 12 Scherzo 5:46
- 13 Maestoso Meccanico 1:21
- 14 Variations / Furioso 8:40
- 15 Epilogue 3:43
Disc 2
- 1 Prologue / Maestoso 6:05
- 2 Capriccio 13:23
- 3 Prestissimo 14:03
- 4 Lento / Mysterioso 9:29
- 5 Allegro Start here 10:24
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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